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New NBA All-Star Game Format: How the Mini-Tournament Works & Prediction

Writer: KofKof

For the 2025 season, the NBA is implementing a four-team mini-tournament. Here’s how it works:


  1. Four Teams - 3 game Mini Tournament

    • Four teams, each coached by an NBA legend, will compete.

    • There will be a three game mini tournament

  2. Semifinals:

    • The four teams play untimed games and first team to 40 wins

    • The winners of each game advance to the Championship Game.

  3. Finals:

    • The two winners face off in a final 24-minute game to crown the All-Star Mini-Tournament Champion.

  4. NBA All Star Game Incentives:

    • Each member of the winning team will win $125,000, each member of the second place team will win $50,000, and each member on the third and fourth place team will win $25,000.


2025 NBA All-Star Game Rosters

Team Shaq OG’s 

  • LeBron James, Lakers

  • Stephen Curry, Warriors

  • Anthony Davis, Mavericks

  • Jayson Tatum, Celtics

  • Kevin Durant, Suns

  • Damian Lillard, Bucks

  • James Harden, Clippers

  • Jaylen Brown, Celtics

  • Kyrie Irving, Mavericks


Team Kenny Young Stars 

  • Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves

  • Jalen Brunson, Knicks

  • Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies

  • Jalen Williams, Thunder

  • Darius Garland, Cavaliers

  • Evan Mobley, Cavaliers

  • Cade Cunningham, Pistons

  • Tyler Herro, Heat


Team Chuck Global Stars

  • Nikola Jokić, Nuggets

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder

  • Victor Wembanyama, Spurs

  • Pascal Siakam, Pacers

  • Alperen Şengün, Rockets

  • Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks

  • Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers

  • Trae Young, Hawks


Team Candace Rising Stars

  • Keyonte George, Jazz

  • Stephon Castle, Spurs

  • Jaylen Wells, Grizzlies

  • Dalton Knecht, Lakers

  • Zach Edey, Grizzlies

  • Ryan Dunn, Suns

  • Trayce Jackson-Davis, Warriors

  • Amen Thompsons, Rockets


Best Bet: Why Team Shaq Will Win the 2025 NBA All-Star Mini-Tournament (+105 on DraftKings Sportsbook)

1. Dominant Scoring & Playmaking Duo

  • The OGs led by LeBron James in his 21st All Star game have the most talent on the roster from top to bottom. LeBron, Curry, Tatum, Durant, Jaylen Brown, Kyrie, Harden, Lillard.

2. Shooting & Clutch Performers

  • I mean, if the game is on the line, I’d be fine with any of the guys on this roster taking the shot and they are more than likely going to hit it. They will be fun to watch and they will be lighting it up.

3. Defense?

  • It’s a rare thing to see in the All Star game, I’m well aware of that. But if this new format sparks any sort of motivation for these guys, this team has a few guys who can lock down - Brown, Tatum, & LeBron specifically. I won’t claim that Harden, Kyrie, KD and or especially Lillard will play any sort of defense or even put their hands up for that matter. The one downfall is being without Anthony Davis, who is going to guard (or try to guard) Jokic.

4. Coaching Edge

  • Shaquille O’Neal understands how to motivate big-game players, bringing out their best in a competitive setting.

  • His inside knowledge of dominating the paint and defensive schemes will be an advantage.


NBA All Star Game Final Prediction: Team Shaq Wins It All

With a well-balanced mix of elite playmakers, dominant scorers, and clutch shooters, Team Shaq is the best bet at +105 on DraftKings Sportsbook. Their inside-out approach and experience in high-pressure games will give them the edge over the competition.



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